Since ICS issued the first guidance to assist the global shipping industry in combating the spread of COVID-19 epidemic in March this year, the situation has changed dramatically. The world has been affected by the epidemic, with more than 32 million confirmed cases and more than 1 million deaths worldwide to date. In contrast, although the mortality rate and infection rate on board ships are almost zero, seafarers are at the same risk as the general population. The whole society especially the shipping industry must therefore recognize that adherence to health guidelines is essential to maintaining the current situation.

People's understanding of COVID-19 has been deepening with the changes of the epidemic situation in various places. In view of this, ICS has chosen to update and publish the new edition of Coronavirus (Covid-19) – Guidance for Ship Operators for the Protection of the Health of Seafarers (hereinafter referred to as the “Guidance”), to reflect the latest insights and recommendations of the international shipping industry on the new COVID-19 epidemic from the perspective of maritime transport. The new edition of Guidance provided an update on the global epidemic situation from the beginning of the outbreak to nine months later, and added two new appendices, one on nucleic acid testing and the other on the control of multiple COVID-19 infection cases on board ships. The Guidance would replace the second edition of Guidance published by ICS in May this year and could be used in conjunction with the Covid-19 – Protocols to Mitigate the Risks of Cases on Board Ships, published in August this year.